Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Space Debris Mitigation

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and satellite navigation, and is involved in numerous international collaborations and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Space Debris Mitigation will play a crucial role in addressing the growing concerns surrounding space debris, which has become a significant issue due to the rapid increase in satellites and launch vehicles in Earth's orbit. The successful candidate will contribute to ESA's Zero Debris approach, aimed at limiting debris production in Earth and lunar orbits by 203

• This position involves evaluating options for developing requirements and conducting theoretical investigations into advanced space debris mitigation approaches. The fellow will engage in critical reviews of current compliance levels in ESA projects, analyze technological developments, and formulate future scenarios that incorporate technology roadmaps and hypothetical breakthroughs. The role also includes policy analysis and exploring incentive structures for debris mitigation, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on tackling the space debris challenge.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Internal Research Fellow include conducting a critical review of current compliance levels in ESA projects, performing data analysis of project reviews since the introduction of the Zero Debris approach, and identifying challenges related to the feasibility and verification of requirements. The fellow will also review technological developments and scenario planning, analyzing lessons learned from ESA's research and development activities. Additionally, the role involves formulating future scenarios that incorporate technology roadmaps and conducting policy analysis to assess the transferability of regulatory instruments. The fellow will explore mitigation incentives, such as tradable debris quotas and insurance premiums, and model their potential uptake among different actors, evaluating sensitivity to participation rates and jurisdictional differences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of space debris matters and mitigation approaches, as well as familiarity with various mitigation regulations and guidelines. Proficiency in computational tools such as Python is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. The selection process will also explore the candidate's motivation, overall professional perspective, and career goals.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field within the past five years. A PhD in space policy or space law may also be considered relevant if the research included quantitative approaches. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of space debris mitigation and the associated regulatory frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong research/publication record and the ability to conduct research autonomously. A breadth of exposure from past or current research activities is also important, as it will contribute to the candidate's ability to gather and share relevant information effectively. Experience in space-related research or projects will be highly advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the multicultural environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time appointment with a focus on research and development in space debris mitigation. Candidates must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.